{"id":1364,"date":"2024-08-14T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-14T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/?p=1364"},"modified":"2024-08-14T14:37:03","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T18:37:03","slug":"community-updates-events-and-resources-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/","title":{"rendered":"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/03\/shink1-2.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Sue Shink Email Banner&#8221; title_text=&#8221;shink1&#8243; url=&#8221;http:\/\/www.senatedems.com\/shink\/&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dear Neighbor,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It\u2019s already mid-August, and we\u2019re nearing the end of another beautiful Michigan summer. I hope you and your loved ones have the chance to get out and savor everything this wonderful season has to offer in our great state.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Throughout the summer, my colleagues and I have been busy at work, connecting with residents across Michigan and in our districts. I&#8217;ve had some great conversations that have given me a better understanding of what the pressing issues that need our attention are when we return to Lansing this fall.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you or someone you know would like to provide any feedback about what\u2019s happening in Lansing or needs assistance, please feel free to reach out to my office. You <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">can email us at\u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"mailto:sensshink@senate.michigan.gov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">sensshink@senate.michigan.gov<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> or call (517) 373-2426. And don\u2019t forget to visit my official <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SenSueShink\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Facebook page<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> for the latest updates.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Sincerely,<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-19px|auto||auto||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/03\/shinksignature.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Shink Signature&#8221; title_text=&#8221;shinksignature&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|264px||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p data-ogsc=\"windowtext\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\" data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">Sue Shink\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\" data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\"><br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\" data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">State Senator<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\" data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\"><br \/><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\" data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\">District 14<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\" data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"windowtext\"><span data-contrast=\"none\" data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-ogsc=\"windowtext\"><span data-contrast=\"none\" data-ogsc=\"rgb(0, 0, 0)\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Featured in This Newsletter<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"87\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Legislative Updates<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"87\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">In Recent News<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"87\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">In the Community<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"87\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Upcoming Events\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"87\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Resources<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Legislative Updates<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Democrats Introduce Legislation to Give Michiganders the Freedom to Plan<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-20px|auto||auto||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Freedom-to-Plan-Act.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;National County Government Month&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Freedom-to-Plan-Act&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-14px|auto||auto||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">While other states work to restrict individuals\u2019 reproductive rights, Michigan Senate Democrats are leading the fight to protect freedom of choice for all.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/cavanagh\/2024\/07\/30\/contraception\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Freedom to Plan Act<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> was recently introduced in the Senate and, if passed into law, would break down financial barriers to over-the-counter oral hormonal contraceptives and emergency contraceptives \u2014 providing Michigan residents with the autonomy, power and freedom to make their own medical decisions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For over six decades, contraception has been an integral component of women\u2019s health care. Named as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contraception has played a pivotal role in expanding women\u2019s bodily autonomy. Giving people who can become pregnant the ability to determine whether to have children and the number and spacing of their children, contraception provides Michiganders with the power to plan their own course in life.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">These newly introduced bills build on a series of actions taken by the Michigan Legislature to ensure Michiganders \u2014 not politicians \u2014 possess the power to determine if and when they would like to begin a family. After repealing the state\u2019s archaic and dangerous 1931 abortion ban, Senate Democrats championed the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2023\/11\/07\/reproductive-freedom\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reproductive Health Act<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> which breaks down barriers to accessing reproductive care by repealing medically unnecessary regulations that are only imposed upon abortion care facilities. Additionally, the Legislature passed the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2024\/03\/14\/surrogacy\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Family Protection Act<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to modernize the state\u2019s surrogacy laws and protect other forms of assisted reproduction, such as IVF.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Back-to-School Budget Signed<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-18px|auto||auto||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Building-Up-Michigan-Schools-Graphic-scaled.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;Work Zone Awareness&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Building Up Michigan Schools Graphic&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px|auto||auto||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Last month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer put her <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/whitmer\/news\/press-releases\/2024\/07\/23\/gov-whitmer-signs-historic-fy25-education-budget\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">stamp of approval on the K-12 budget<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> for the 2024-25 school year. This budget continues putting Michigan students and educators first and foremost, helping to set our kids up for futures full of success and opportunity.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thanks to an innovative and strategic approach to school funding, Senate Democrats are enhancing the quality of education by providing schools with the necessary resources for students to thrive.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The new budget delivers significant relief to schools, by providing school districts with increases to their general operating funding. Currently, school districts are charged an annual contribution toward the pension and retiree health care legacy debts of the school employee pension system (MPSERS). The budget allocates $598 million to reimburse districts for a portion of that contribution, thus freeing up existing discretionary funding for other essential needs. On average, this allocation is equivalent to approximately an additional $400 per student or a 4.16% increase in school funds. The graphics below give detailed information on funding increases for specific school districts in our area.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\"> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217497422 BCX4\"><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217497422 BCX4\">Senate District 14: School Districts in Washtenaw County and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217497422 BCX4\">B<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217497422 BCX4\">ordering <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217497422 BCX4\">D<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217497422 BCX4\">istricts<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-19px|auto||auto||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Washtenaw-County-and-bordering-districts-Budget-Wins.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Andy&#8217;s Place&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Washtenaw-County-and-bordering-districts-Budget-Wins&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-15px|auto||auto||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Senate District 14: School Districts in Jackson County<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335557856&quot;:16777215,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Jackson-County-and-bordering-districts-Budget-wins.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Voting and Elections Town Hall&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Jackson-County-and-bordering-districts-Budget-wins&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; width=&#8221;100%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px|||&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-20px|auto||auto||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Last year, our Democratic Majority began the popular free breakfast and lunch program for all Michigan public school students \u2014 and in this year\u2019s budget, we continued this critical program to ensure that Michigan\u2019s 1.4 million public school students are well-fed and able to focus on learning. More information about the free breakfast and lunch program can be found <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/whitmer\/news\/press-releases\/2024\/07\/10\/gov-whitmer-secures-funding-to-guarantee-free-school-breakfast\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our education budget also implements the state\u2019s first-ever \u201cOpportunity Index\u201d equity funding formula that strategically invests more dollars into districts based on their concentration of poverty, prioritizing students and schools with the highest level of need.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">We also delivered on the promise of two years of free community college for high school graduates, helping improve access to higher education and better paying jobs. This ensures that every Michigan high school graduate, beginning this year, can obtain an associate degree or skilled certificate tuition-free, saving over 18,000 students up to $4,820 annually.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan Senate Democrats remain committed to meeting the needs and interests of students, educators, and families in every corner of our state, and we look forward to another school year full of learning, growth, and opportunity for our kids.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">In Recent News<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Democrats Celebrate Water Quality Month \u2014 Continuing the Fight to Protect Michigan\u2019s Water Quality\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-19px|auto||auto||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/WaterQualityMonth.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Shink Walk and Talk&#8221; title_text=&#8221;WaterQualityMonth&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan\u2019s 76,439 miles of rivers and streams and 11,000 inland lakes are an incredible treasure contributing to Michigan\u2019s legacy of an abundance of clean, fresh water. The best way to preserve these exceptional resources, which also provide important ecosystem services like flood storage and corridors for wildlife, is to protect them from pollution. Senate Democrats have championed <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/senatedems.com\/blog\/2023\/08\/23\/michigans-water-quality\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">the fight to protect the quality of Michigan\u2019s water<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> \u2014 investing in water infrastructure, combatting pollution, and ensuring all residents have access clean drinking water.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Motivated by the devastating impact of the Flint water crisis \u2014 exacerbated by the inaction of previous Republican administrations \u2014 this Democratic Majority has worked tirelessly to combat lead contamination in drinking water and ensure clean water for schools.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Democrats\u2019 commitment to protecting Michigan\u2019s water quality and providing clean water for every resident paved the way for significant investments in water infrastructure, including securing funds for innovative projects like wastewater treatment plants. In the latest state budget, Senate Democrats secured more than $509 million for these projects that will help improve the quality of our water infrastructure.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) also plays a crucial role in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/egle\/newsroom\/mi-environment\/2024\/07\/31\/michigans-nonpoint-source-program-leads-nation-through-conservation-easements\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">protecting Michigan&#8217;s water and waterways<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. However, a 2004 law has prevented the agency from updating standards for water testing and controlling pollutant discharge from farms and factories for nearly 20 years.\u00a0 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2023-SB-0663\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 663,<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> which I sponsored and the Senate passed, removes this provision, enabling the agency to update its standards in line with federal regulations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Through these collective efforts and more, the Senate Democrats are showcasing their commitment to improving and protecting water quality in our state. They are crafting legislation to safeguard Michigan\u2019s natural resources, ensuring clean and accessible water not just during Water Quality Month, but throughout the entire year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:360,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Honoring World Breastfeeding Week<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Breastfeeding-Week.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Breastfeeding Week&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In an effort to inform the public and engage action on breastfeeding advocacy, we recognize <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/waba.org.my\/wbw\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">World Breastfeeding Week<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> annually from August 1-7.\u00a0This week and beyond, let&#8217;s continue working to promote inclusive environments that support breastfeeding parents, including adequate protections and resources to encourage one of the most effective methods of improving maternal and infant health.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Our caucus is working to support every Michigan parent in their breastfeeding journey, which is why Sen. Jeff Irwin introduced <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/Bills\/Bill?ObjectName=2023-SB-0351\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senate Bill 351<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. This bill would expand Michigan\u2019s Public Breastfeeding Nondiscrimination Act to ensure parents are protected from discrimination for pumping breastmilk in public, which is often necessary when parents are away from their breastfeeding baby for several hours. Senate Bill 351 successfully passed out of the Senate and now awaits further action in the House of Representatives.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Also, did you know that last year t<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">he <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.henryford.com\/services\/baby\/breastfeeding\/donor-milk-bank?utm_source=redirect&amp;utm_medium=url&amp;utm_campaign=vanity&amp;utm_content=\/milkbank\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Henry Ford Milk Bank-Jackson<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> opened in Jackson, becoming only the second human donor milk bank in Michigan, and the most convenient location for donors in central and southeast Michigan? The Milk Bank provides a safe and healthy option for when a mom is unable to provide her baby with her own milk.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">In the Community<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Dexter Senior Center Rising<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Dexter Senior Center is rising from the ground thanks to the work of residents, local and county officials, including Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Maciejewski, Dexter Schools Superintendent Chris Timmis and the Dexter School Board, State Representative Jennifer Conlin, myself, and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Everyone brought what they had to the project. It\u2019s incredible what we can do working together!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">MDOC Vocational Village<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/MDOC-Vocational-Village.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;MDOC-Vocational-Village&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We celebrated <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">the grand opening of the Vehicle Technology Center at the SMT Vocational Village at Parnall Correctional Facility. I joined Director Heidi Washington, State Representative Amos O&#8217;Neal and Warden Noah Nagy. During the tour, Director Washington thanked MDOC staff and the employers who were present for believing in the Vocational Village&#8217;s vision. I consistently support development of vocational and educational opportunities as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Corrections and Judiciary Budget Subcommittee. The new center will provide skilled trades training for incarcerated individuals in a field where employers need skilled employees and are excited about hiring graduates of the program.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Grow Jackson<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Grow-Jackson.png&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Grow-Jackson&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">I enjoyed a lunch meeting with Grow Jackson&#8217;s Jacob Inosencio and six urban agriculture workforce development interns. They described all they&#8217;ve learned this summer about the environment, agriculture, food justice, water systems, waste management, transportation, and financial literacy. Grow Jackson provides young people with the tools to engage in their community and build a better future. The interns were excited about their experience and their future plans!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:-20,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Upcoming Events\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Senior Resource Fair in Jackson \u2013 It\u2019s Finally Here!<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/06\/Shink-SeniorSummit-01-3.jpg&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; alt=&#8221;Senator Shink Senior Summit&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Senator Shink Senior Summit&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.3&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This Friday, August 16, I\u2019m hosting my annual Senior Summit event at the Crouch Senior Center in Jackson. Please come anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to learn about your legal rights, services available to seniors, how to avoid scams, and how to avoid having your identity stolen, among other topics and free resources from several organizations and agencies. The Michigan Secretary of State, AARP, Henry Ford Health and Veterans\u2019 Affairs are expected to be there to meet your needs! Meals on Wheels will also be serving lunch.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This annual event is incredibly informative and a great way for you to ask questions and share updates on issues that are important to you. Hope to see you there!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHEN:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Friday, August 16, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. &#8211; 2:00 p.m.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<br \/><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">WHERE: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Crouch Senior Center, 1715 Lansing Ave. #672, Jackson, MI 49202<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:-20,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Resources<\/span><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Apply for Free PreK Today!<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The 2025 state budget gives access to free PreK for many Michigan four-year-olds, prioritizing those who need it most. This saves families around $10,000 per year.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">It\u2019s not too late for families to enroll their four-year-old in PreK this fall!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you have a child who will be 4 years old by December 1, there are seats available this fall. Go to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/greatstarttoquality.org\/free-preschool-programs\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">MiFreePreschool.org<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to find programs near you.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">WIC (Women, Infants, &amp; Children) Program Expands Eligibility Requirements to Serve More Families<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan\u2019s WIC program has updated their guidelines to now allow even more families to qualify and receive benefits. Participants can use their WIC EBT card to purchase essential foods like fresh produce, milk, bread, eggs, and infant formula at select stores. Find out if you\u2019re eligible and how to access benefits <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdhhs\/assistance-programs\/wic\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Find the Help You Need with Michigan 2-1-1\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Michigan 2-1-1 is an all-in-one resource for Michiganders. Call 2-1-1 or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mi211.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">go to their website<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to find information and resources pertaining to utility assistance, housing programs, food assistance, HIV\/STI services, COVID-19, home visiting, grief and bereavement resources and services and much more. The 2-1-1 line is open 24\/7 and offers help in over 180 languages. You can also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mi211.org\/about-2-1-1\/text-chat\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">use this link to find your local number to text<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:278}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Neighbor,\u00a0 It\u2019s already mid-August, and we\u2019re nearing the end of another beautiful Michigan summer. I hope you and your loved ones have the chance to get out and savor [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":1373,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-email"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.4 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0 - Senator Sue Shink<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dear Neighbor,\u00a0 It\u2019s already mid-August, and we\u2019re nearing the end of another beautiful Michigan summer. I hope you and your loved ones have the chance to get out and savor [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Senator Sue Shink\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-14T20:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"624\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"468\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"jlindsay\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"jlindsay\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"jlindsay\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\"},\"headline\":\"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-14T20:00:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/\"},\"wordCount\":3626,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Email\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/\",\"name\":\"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0 - Senator Sue Shink\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-14T20:00:00+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png\",\"width\":624,\"height\":468,\"caption\":\"Dexter Senior Center Rising Senator Shink\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/\",\"name\":\"Senator Sue Shink\",\"description\":\"Michigan Senate Democrats\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534\",\"name\":\"jlindsay\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"jlindsay\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/author\/jlindsay\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0 - Senator Sue Shink","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0","og_description":"Dear Neighbor,\u00a0 It\u2019s already mid-August, and we\u2019re nearing the end of another beautiful Michigan summer. I hope you and your loved ones have the chance to get out and savor [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/","og_site_name":"Senator Sue Shink","article_published_time":"2024-08-14T20:00:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":624,"height":468,"url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"jlindsay","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"jlindsay","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/"},"author":{"name":"jlindsay","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534"},"headline":"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0","datePublished":"2024-08-14T20:00:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/"},"wordCount":3626,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png","articleSection":["Email"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/","url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/","name":"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0 - Senator Sue Shink","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png","datePublished":"2024-08-14T20:00:00+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/08\/Dexter-Senior-Center-Rising.png","width":624,"height":468,"caption":"Dexter Senior Center Rising Senator Shink"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/2024\/08\/14\/community-updates-events-and-resources-9\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Community Updates, Events and Resources\u00a0"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/","name":"Senator Sue Shink","description":"Michigan Senate Democrats","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/45d5eb060d7edbcdc7627afd6f26c534","name":"jlindsay","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/80b5c9b8370739af8018d04b8c23e9d262ea73bcd1387d0fa969c4a4a97561c4?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"jlindsay"},"url":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/author\/jlindsay\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1364"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1364\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1377,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1364\/revisions\/1377"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1364"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.senatedems.com\/shink\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}